2020 Dynasty/Fantasy Week 2 Game Analysis: Packers 42, Lions 21
I take notes during the live watch. I re-watch the game on tape looking for hidden clues to report on. Here are my notes/takes on what I saw and how it related to FF 2020. I write anywhere from 1,000-3,000+ words on each game, and I have to move fast to get to all of them through the week…so, please forgive any typos/grammar.
What’s there to say here? The Packers did Packers things and won easily. And the Lions did Lions things and lost…again. Nothing special happened – both teams were who we all thought they were.
Green Bay gets more of a test against the Saints Week 3. The schedule ahead is pretty easy after Week 3. They may have 1-2 games max. with 2020 playoff teams from Week 4 on. Green Bay is going to be in great shape to get a #1 seed as the NFC North crumbles around them.
As far as the Lions go…it’s the ‘waiting to fire Matt Patricia’ season. The GM is tied to Patricia, so there will not be a chance it happens in-season, most likely. Both HC and GM will be gone after the season unless a pure miracle happens.
Fantasy Player Notes…
-- The two WRs of FFM interest…
1) Marvin Jones (4-23-1/6) got covered by Jaire Alexander because Kenny Golladay was out again. Jones draws top coverage with KG out. The return of Golladay is a big help for Jones to be a steady WR2.
A very good schedule ahead…seven of their next 9 games are in a dome. Not in a dome…at JAX and at CAR.
Hold steady on Jones for the KG return, hopefully this week.
2) Allen Lazard (3-45-0/5)…I get the feeling you’re giving up on him. I think that’s a mistake. First off, Allen Lazard is like a faster, more athletic Mike Evans…and he’s still coming into his own.
His two missed targets…two near 20+ yard big plays, one a near TD. He also lost another play on a defensive P.I.
He’s got all the makings of a star…I know he’s in the shadow of Davante Adams, but it means he is getting lesser coverage and is open quite a bit. I see his usage, and the importance of the way he’s used, ticking up ever so slightly each week. On a big 4th & 6 early in the game from midfield, Rodgers whistled a bullet in the middle to a heavily covered, diving Lazard who made the catch and 1st-down.
This week, if Adams can play…and Marshon Lattimore blankets Adams – it might be the first 2020 breakout for Lazard. If Adams is out…then Lazard draws Lattimore and that’s a problem.
-- Nothing more I can say about Aaron Jones (18-168-2, 4-68-1/8)…he can’t stop scoring TDs. I didn’t think he’d repeat his 2019, but he is so far. If you’d like…I’ll endorse him, you can trade your whole team for him, and then he’ll tear his ACL soon after I get on-board.
A.J. Dillon (5-17-0) is a million miles away at this point. He does mop up work in blowouts.
Anyways, I love Aaron Jones. Always have. He’s the best player in fantasy football. You should get him fast.
…hopefully you’re playing against him this week, and don’t own him for the hex I just put on him.
-- D’Andre Swift (5-12-0, 5-60-0/5) looked a little more settled in this game. He was nervous/anxious Week 1. Much more under control, normal here. He’s become Theo Riddick in this scuffling offense. He’s going to have games like this every week…low rushing…sweet receiving…limited TDs.
If the Lions ever get ahead in a game, perish the thought, they will bang it with AP and Kerryon…and Swift will have a lesser Theo Riddick week.
You’re going to need a coaching change to get Swift to another level of offensive play/usage.
-- Couple of IDP notes…
DET CB Jeff Okudah (7 tackles) debuted and was somewhere between OK and lost…but he’s a rookie in a debut against Aaron Rodgers and friends. Can’t fully judge him just yet, but he’s not C.J. Henderson.
I knew there was an issue with Matt Patricia and Tracy Walker (2 tackles, 2 PDs) back in the preseason…where Patricia was running him a bunch with the 2nd-team. I think there is an issue for sure. Walker played just 53% of the snaps this game. The IDP star of 2019 is in trouble in 2020.
I saw ‘word’ that they are working a ‘platoon’ with Walker and Will Harris, in the media this week. Walker can be dropped for greener pastures if you still own him.
GB DE Rashan Gary (4 tackles, 1.5 sacks) is one of the great wasted talents in football, in my mind. All the tools in the world but always underperforms/doesn’t care…kinda like Jadeveon Clowney. Anyway, Gary may have quietly turned a corner…he played 56% of the snaps this game (and 62% last game). He got two QB hits this week, but also two last week. Not a one-week blip apparently.
If Gary is going to show up, then Green bay just had an ‘A’ pass rusher fall out of the sky for them.
Snap Counts of Interest:
61 = Lazard
46 = MVS
38 = Adams
35 = A Jones
31 = J Williams
28 = T Ervin
07 = Dillon
53 = Marvin
39 = Cephus
33 = Amendola
17 = M Hall
20 = Swift
19 = Kerryon
15 = AP
